Nectarine tree named ‘CAKERUMBA’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of white flat nectarine tree denominated ‘CAKERUMBA’ has fruits with high eating quality and very long shelf life without alteration before and after harvesting, with a semi-sweet white flesh, with a slightly red pigmentation around the stone cavity, a completely closed pistil cavity and an attractive luminous skin with a high percentage of purple red blush on skin surface, on a red background.

Botanical classification: Prunus persica var nucipersica.

Variety denomination: ‘CAKERUMBA’.

This application claims priority of Community plant variety right No.2017/3053 filed on Nov. 23, 2017 which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

The new variety named ‘CAKERUMBA’ is also known as 26.18.109.15 NBPL ASF15215. Indeed, before giving a name to a new and distinct variety offruit tree, a provisional reference is assigned, considering thereferences of a tree in orchard. This provisional reference isconstituted firstly with the number of the parcel on which the tree hasgrown, then the number of the line, the tree number and finally the yearof selection. Then before being named ‘CAKERUMBA’, the provisionalreference of this white flat nectarine tree variety was 26.18.109.15NBPL, corresponding to the tree 109 located in line 18 of the parcel 26and selected during the year 2015. The letters “NBPL” are related to thefirst letters of the type of tree in French (NBPL for “Nectarine BlanchePLate”, that means “white flat nectarine”). Once the hybrid selected,the breeder assigned a clone reference that begins with the letters“ASF” followed by the year of selection and a number corresponding tothe maturity order. The final name is only assigned once the applicationhas been filed and the name approved after its publication in theofficial bulletin. For the variety ‘CAKERUMBA’, the clone reference was‘ASF15215’.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW VARIETY

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of whiteflat nectarine tree, Prunus persica (L.) Batsch, which has been giventhe variety denomination ‘CAKERUMBA’.

This new tree produces fruits with a long shelf life without alterationboth on the tree after growth completion and after harvesting, very goodeating quality, semi-clingstone white flesh fruits, generally with avery slightly red pigmentation around the stone cavity, in a star shape,for fresh market in August in the Pyrénées-Orientales department,France.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The ‘CAKERUMBA’ white flat nectarine tree originated from a cultivatedarea of the south of France, in the Pyrénées-Orientales department,where it was tested.

This place is under a Mediterranean climate (a temperate area), on theMediterranean coastline. Winters are gentle and summers warm and dry.The amount of days with temperatures below 7° Celsius can vary between600 and 1200 hours per year. The place is sunny, with 2400 to 2800 hoursof sunny days per year on average. The prevailing wind is called‘Tramontane’: it dries the air, clears the sky from clouds, but itsintensity can be strong and affect the harvest, fruit quantity and/orquality. Marine moisture does not affect the place. Precipitations areirregular through the year and from one year to another. The amount ofrainy days does not exceed 80 days per year and are mostly found inSpring and Autumn. In May and October, very intense precipitationsoccasionally happen. Summer is dry with a few thunderstorms.

The ‘CAKERUMBA’ variety results from a pollinated and controlled crossbetween a white nectarine tree named ‘NECTARPERF’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No.23,357) which was used as a seed parent (or female parent) and the‘CAKEDELICE’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 25,632) white flat nectarine treewhich was used as the pollen parent (male parent).

The ‘CAKERUMBA’ variety was obtained by hybridizing and propagated bygrafting on a ‘INRA GF677’ (non-patented) rootstock trees. It has beendetermined to have unique tree and fruit characteristics making itworthy for commercial fresh fruit production. There are no known effectsof the standard rootstock trees set forth above on the scion cultivar.Asexually propagated plants remained true to the original tree and allcharacteristics of the tree and the fruit were transmitted. The plantwas reproduced asexually by us in Les Régalines, Route d'Alenya, LaPrade de Mousseillous, 66200 ELNE, Pyrénées-Orientales, France. Moreparticularly, the plant was reproduced by grafting.

Every known type of grafting adapted to the nectarine tree may beperformed on the new tree. Especially, the type of grafting will dependon the grafting period and the propagation mode which is used by thenursery owner. Thus, the grafting period may be micrografting at anymoment of the year if the grafting is performed in greenhouse, dormanteye shield budding in August or September, growing eye shield budding inJune or July.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

The new and distinct variety ‘CAKERUMBA’ white flat nectarine treeblooms early in March near Elne in the Pyrénées-Orientales department,France. The blooming period is considered medium. However, it wasobserved that its late date of blooming seems to be highly dependant onclimatic conditions.

The first fruit of ‘CAKERUMBA’ ripens generally medium to late duringthe season, generally at the end of August, but sometimes earlier. Moreparticularly, it usually ripens between August 4^(th) and August30^(th). However, it was observed that its date of maturity seems to behighly dependant on climatic conditions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawing, which are as nearly true as it isreasonably possible to make in a color illustration of this type:

FIG. 1 is a color photograph that shows a typical specimen of a tree ofthe new variety ‘CAKERUMBA’ in orchards, with branches bearing fruits.

FIG. 2 is a color photograph which depicts the flower buds at differentdevelopment stages, and the reverse and side view of the flower and thereproductive organs with petals removed, of the new variety alsoreferenced as “26.18.109.15 NBPL ASF 15215”.

FIG. 3 is a color photograph which shows the upper and lower sides ofleaves and three typical specimens of the fruit, one having been cut inhalves with the stone being left in one of the halves for depictingleaves, fruit flesh, the stone and the stone cavity of the new varietyalso referenced as “26.18.109.15 NBPL”.

FIG. 4 is a color photograph that shows a close view of typicalspecimens of the fruit of the new variety ‘CAKERUMBA’ at ripening time,one having been cut in a half with the stone left in its cavity.

FIG. 5 is a color photograph that shows a close view of typicalspecimens of the fruit of the new variety ‘CAKERUMBA’ at ripening time

FIG. 6 is a color photograph showing different views of the stone of thenew variety, also referenced as “26.18.109.15 NBPL”, one having been cutin halves with the kernel removed.

The enclosed photographs show plants in their third growing season fortrees, trunk, leaves, fruits and stone and plants in their fourthgrowing season for flowers.

Due to chemical development, processing and printing, the flowers,stones and fruits depicted in these photographs may or may not beaccurate when compared to the actual botanical specimen.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The tree, flowers, and fruit may vary in slight detail due to variationsin soil type, cultural practices, and climatic condition. The potentialfor commercial production of fresh fruits by ‘CAKERUMBA’ is high, due tofruit very long shelf life without alteration after harvesting.

Trees are medium vigorous and large stature half-standing in asemi-flared aspect.

The anthocyanic coloration of flowering shoot is present excludingbrushwood side away from sun. The time of beginning of flowering isconsidered medium; flowering begins early in March. The type of floweris showy (rosette) with medium to large petal size. Petals are pink.Leaf glands are present and reniform. The fruit flesh is white andgenerally with a very slightly red pigmentation around the stone cavityin a star-shape. The fruit skin is thick, with a luminous purple redblush on a red background. The stone is semi-clingstone and his size issmall. Fruit taste is semi-sweet, very aromatic and with a high level ofsugars.

Compared to its female parent ‘NECTARPERF’ variety (U.S. Plant Pat. No.23,357), which produces round fruits, the fruits of the new variety‘CAKERUMBA’ are flat. The fruits of the new variety ‘CAKERUMBA’ ripen 10days earlier than the fruits produced by ‘NECTARPERF’.

Compared to ‘CAKEDELICE’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 25,632) variety, which isthe male parent, the fruits of ‘CAKERUMBA’ variety ripen two weekslater. The trees of the new variety ‘CAKERUMBA’ produces 50 to 55flowers per linear meter at blossoming, whereas the trees of‘CAKEDELICE’ variety produces approximately 40 to 45 flowers per linearmeter. The fruits of the new variety ‘CAKERUMBA’ have a more attractiveappearance, their shape being rounder and more regular than the fruitsof ‘CAKEDELICE’.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring more specifically to the pomological details of this new anddistinct variety of white flat nectarine tree, the following wasobserved on trees in their third growing season (second year ofproduction) for trees, trunk, leaves, fruits, stone and on trees intheir fourth growing season (third year of production) for flowers,under the ecological conditions prevailing at the orchards located nearthe town of Elne, Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France. Allobservations have been done on rootstock cultivars. Used rootstocks were‘INRA GF677’ (non-patented) trees. All major color code designations areby reference to The R.H.S. Colour Chart (Fourth Edition) provided by TheRoyal Horticultural Society of Great Britain.

-   Tree:    -   -   Size.—        -   Generally.—Considered large. The tree size the first year            was approximately 200 to 280 cm. The tree was pruned during            each following dormant season to a height of approximately            250 cm. Current season shoots growth could reach 80 cm. The            tree size from the second year (second and next years)            reached a final height of 330 cm including current season            shoots length. The tree size is consistently reduces to 250            cm the next years.        -   Spread.—Approximately 100 cm with a cylindrical shape. The            whole orchard was oriented to a central leader organization,            with tree lines spaced of 4.0 meters and trees spaced of 1.0            meter in a same tree line. As a result, tree spread was            about 100 cm and the orchard contained 2500 trees by            hectare.        -   Vigor.—Considered medium.        -   Productivity.—Very Productive. Fruit set is spaced by            thinning to develop the remaining fruit into the desired            market sized fruit. The number of the fruit set varies with            the prevailing climatic conditions and cultural practices            employed during the bloom period, and is therefore not            distinctive of the present variety. A reduce vegetation,            obtained with pruning or green pruning, approximately 1            month or 1 month ½ before harvesting flat fruits,            significantly promotes fruit qualities, especially growth,            color and firmness. Moreover, contamination risks due to            Monilia or rot are significantly reduced. ‘CAKERUMBA’            variety is not much sensitive to cracking of pistil cavity,            to cork formation into peduncle cavity or to Monilia.        -   Bearer.—Very regular. The fruit distribution is considered            homogenous on mixed branches and spurs having more than 1            year. Thinning of 2 fruits out of 3 was necessary for the            tree valorisation. Thinning was necessary every year during            the years of observation.        -   Form.—The ‘CAKERUMBA’ variety has naturally a semi-flared            shape.        -   Density.—Considered dense.        -   Hardiness.—The present tree was grown and evaluated in            France. The variety appears to be hardy under the central            Pyrénées-Orientales departement typical climatic conditions.            Experimentations on the same orchard in Elne,            Pyrénées-Orientales department, with winter chilling            requirement below 7.2° C. comprised between 700 hours and            1200 hours according to the specificities of the year,            namely 1076 hours in 2012-2013, 767 hours in 2013-2014, 552            hours in 2014-2015, 721 hours in 2015-2016, and 784 hours in            2016-2017 showed a good behaviour of the tree in all cases.            No damages were caused by ascertained temperatures as low as            −12 degrees Celsius in winter. The tree was also very            resistant to frosty springtime weather. Traditionally, flat            fruits are more sensitive to critical low temperatures and            to climatic variations, because of the flower morphology in            which the ovule is less protected than in the classical            round fruits. Thus, areas not much exposed to frost are            recommended for trees growth. However, ‘CAKERUMBA’ trees            seem to be very resistant to critical frosty weather.-   Trunk:    -   -   Diameter.—Approximately 48.0 to 54.0 millimeters in diameter            when measured at a distance of approximately 20 centimeters            above the soil level on 3^(rd) growing season.        -   Bark texture.—Considered slightly rough, with lenticels.        -   Lenticels.—Numerous lenticels are present. The number of            lenticels reaches 2 lenticels per cm². The lenticels range            in size from approximately 4.0 to 6.0 millimeters in width,            and about 2.0 to 3.0 millimeters in height.        -   Lenticel color.—The lenticels have a light orange color (RHS            Greyed Orange 165 B).        -   Bark coloration.—The bark has a light brown color (RHS            Greyed Orange 165 A) slightly darker than the lenticel            color.-   Branches:    -   -   Size.—Mature branches and current season shoots are            considered medium for the variety.        -   Diameter.—Average as compared to other nectarine varieties.            The current season shoots have a diameter from 4.0 to 6.0            millimeters, and mature branches have a diameter from 8.0 to            10.0 millimeters.        -   Surface texture.—Average, wood which is several years old            has no furrowed appearance.        -   Crotch angles.—Primary branches are considered variable, but            the crotch angles are generally about 45 degrees from the            horizontal axis, for both current season shoots and mature            branches. This particular characteristic is not considered            distinctive of the variety, however.        -   Current season shoots.—        -   Internode length.—Generally between 15.0 and 20.0            millimeters.        -   Color.—The color of new shoot tips is considered light green            (RHS Yellow Green 145 A) on lower part of new shoot tips,            whereas the upper part is darker and colored in brown-purple            more or less deep (RHS Greyed Orange 176 A), depending on            the level on the tip and the sunlight exposure.        -   Texture.—Smooth, without lenticels.        -   Mature branches.—        -   Internode length.—Generally between 21.0 and 24.0            millimeters.        -   Color of mature branches.—Brown (RHS Grey Brown N 199 B).        -   Texture.—Smooth to rough, with small lenticels.        -   Lenticels.—The number of lenticels on mature branches            reaches 2 lenticels per cm². The lenticels range in size            from approximately 2.0 to 2.5 millimeters in width, and            about 1.0 to 1.5 millimeters in height.        -   Lenticel color.—The lenticels on mature branches have a            beige color (RHS Greyed Orange 164 B to RHS Greyed Orange            164 C).        -   Lenticel shape.—Lenticels on mature branches are            round-stretched in shape.-   Leaves:    -   -   Size.—Considered medium for the species. The ratio leaf            length/leaf width is 3.61. This ratio is calculated with the            medium length of five measures taken on five different            leaves (129.8 millimeters), divided by the medium width of            also five measures (36.0 millimeters).        -   Leaf length.—Approximately 120.0 to 139.0 millimeters with            leaf petiole. The medium length is about 129.8 millimeters.        -   Leaf width.—Approximately 33.0 to 40.0 millimeters. The            medium width is 36.0 millimeters.        -   Leaf form in sectional view.—Concave.        -   Leaf form.—Lanceolate.        -   Leaf tip form.—Short, pointed and acuminate.        -   Leaf color.—        -   Upper leaf surface.—Yellow green (RHS Yellow Green 147 A).        -   Lower surface.—A lighter green (RHS Yellow Green 147 B) than            the upper leaf surface color.        -   Leaf texture.—Both upper and lower leaf surfaces are            considered smooth and glabrous.        -   Leaf venation.—Pinnately veined.        -   Mid-vein.—        -   Color.—Light green, almost cream white (RHS Yellow Green            145A). The color may evolve with maturity.        -   Leaf margins.—Slightly undulating.        -   Form.—Leaf margins are considered slightly dentate.        -   Uniformity.—Leaves are isolated or grouped by 2 or 3. In            this last case, one leaf of normal size is found with one or            two smaller leaves (at least 50% smaller).        -   Leaf petioles.—        -   Size.—Considered medium.        -   Length.—About 9.0 to about 10.0 millimeters.        -   Diameter.—About 2.0 millimeters.        -   Petioles color.—        -   Upper petiole surface.—Light green (RHS Yellow Green 144 B).        -   Lower surface.—Light green (RHS Yellow Green 145 B).        -   Leaf glands.—        -   Size.—Considered medium. Their length is about 1.0 to 1.5            millimeters and their width is about 1.0 millimeter.        -   Number.—Generally 2 glands per leaf.        -   Type.—Reniform.        -   Margins.—Smooth and regular.        -   Color.—On young leaves, leaf glands color is considered a            light green (RHS Green 145 B). On older leaves, leaf glands            color turns to a dark brown (RHS Grey Brown 199 A to RHS            Grey Brown 199 B).        -   Margins.—Smooth and regular.        -   Leaf stipules.—        -   Generally.—No leaf stipules were observed. But as seen in            the characteristic relative to the leaves uniformity, it is            possible to find leaves by groups of 2 or 3, with a            normal-size leaf and smaller ones.        -   Time of beginning of leaf bud burst.—Generally considered            medium.-   Flowers:    -   -   Flower buds.—        -   Generally.—At pre-floral stage of development, the floral            buds are round in form with a round tip. Their form is            evolving until blooming, with variables dimensions. Just            before blooming, floral buds are approximately 10.0 to 11.0            millimeters wide and approximately 16.0 to 18.0 millimeters            long. The distribution of the flower buds is considered            homogenous on the trees.        -   Color.—This characteristic is dependent upon the proximity            to bloom. At pre-floral stage of development, the bottom of            the flowers buds, the calyx or flower receptacle, is of            purple-brown color (RHS Greyed Purple 187) on its outer            face. The inner surface of the calyx is considered orange            yellow (RHS Yellow Orange 22 A). The corolla, formed by the            petals, is generally of pink color (RHS Red Purple 65 A to            RHS Red Purple 65 B). Petals color shows an evolution until            the end of flowering.        -   Hardiness.—The buds are considered hardy under typical            central Pyrénées-Orientales departement climatic conditions.            No winter injury was noted during the last several years of            evaluation in the central Pyrénées-Orientales departement,            with winter temperatures as low as −10 degrees Celsius in            January. The current variety has not been intentionally            subjected to drought or heat stress, but the variety showed            a very good resistance in orchard to temperatures up to 42            degrees Celsius with an average temperature between 28 and            30 degrees Celsius during 3 weeks in summer.        -   Date of bloom.—The blooming time generally begins early in            March. The first bloom was observed on Mar. 5, 2016.        -   Blooming time.—Considered medium in relative comparison to            other commercial nectarine cultivars grown in the            Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France. The date of full            bloom is observed generally at the middle of the blooming            period. The date of bloom varies slightly with climatic            conditions and cultural practices. Thus the full bloom was            observed in 2016, from March 5^(th) until March 12^(th),            then from March 4^(th) until March 11^(th) in 2017.        -   Duration of bloom.—Approximately 8 days. This characteristic            varies slightly with the prevailing climatic conditions.        -   Flower type.—The variety is considered to have a showy type            flower (rosette).        -   Flower size.—Considered medium to large. Flower diameter at            full bloom is approximately 38.0 to 42.0 millimeters.        -   Bloom quantity.—Considered very abundant, approximately            between 50 and 55 flowers per meter, with a high rate of            fruit set. The bloom is heterogeneous, and the bloom            quantity is more important on the top of the tree.        -   Flower bud frequency.—Generally 2 flower buds appear per            node, occasionally 1.        -   Petal size.—        -   Generally.—Considered medium to large.        -   Length.—Generally between 22.0 and 23.0 millimeters.        -   Width.—Generally between 19.0 and 20.0 millimeters.        -   Petal form.—Round-shaped.        -   Petal count.—Generally 5.        -   Petal arrangement.—Overlapping.        -   Petal texture.—Smooth.        -   Petal color.—Both surfaces of the petal are colored with a            pink (RHS Red Purple 65 A to RHS Red Purple 65 B) color.        -   Fragrance.—Sweet.        -   Petal claw.—        -   Form.—The claw is considered to have a narrow form.        -   Length.—About 1.5 to 2.5 millimeters.        -   Width.—About 1.5 millimeter at the base.        -   Color.—Considered dark pink (RHS Red Purple 60 B to RHS Red            Purple 60 C), darker than the petal color.        -   Petal margins.—Generally considered moderately undulate.        -   Petal apex.—        -   Generally.—The petal apices are generally wide dome-shaped.        -   Flower pedicel.—        -   Length.—Considered medium to large and having an average            length of approximately 3.0 to 4.0 millimeters.        -   Diameter.—Considered average, approximately 1.0 to 1.5            millimeters.        -   Color.—Light green (RHS Yellow Green 144 B to RHS Yellow            Green 144 C).        -   Calyx.—        -   Internal surface texture.—Smooth and glabrous.        -   Color.—At the stage F of blooming, when the flower is open,            the inner surface of the calyx, or flower receptacle, is            yellow green (RHS Yellow Green 153 C) to yellow orange (RHS            Yellow Orange 22A). The outer surface of the calyx is            considered of purple-brown (RHS Greyed Purple 187 A) color.        -   Sepals.—        -   Sepal count.—Usually five.        -   Surface texture.—The outer surface has a short, fine            pubescent texture.        -   Size.—Medium to large.        -   Length.—Approximately 5.0 to 7.0 millimeters.        -   Width.—Approximately 4.0 to 5.0 millimeters.        -   Form.—Conic, with a round tip.        -   Margins.—Smooth.        -   Color.—At the stage F of blooming, the lower surface of the            sepals is considered of purple-brown color (RHS Greyed            Purple 187 A). The upper surface of the sepals is considered            greenish (RHS Yellow Green 146 A).        -   Average number of stamens per flower.—Approximately 34 to 40            stamens per flower. The stamens are shorter than petals, so            the position of the stamens when compared to petals is            below.        -   Anthers.—        -   Generally.—Small in length.        -   Shape.—Reniform.        -   Color.—Anthers are colored with a red (RHS Orange Red N34 A)            color. The color may evolve with maturity to turn in a            yellow color.        -   Pollen production.—Pollen is abundant, and has a yellow            color (RHS Yellow 12 A) which may evolve with maturity. The            present variety is considered auto-fertile            (self-pollinating).        -   Pollination.—Pollen is abundant and autofertile, good            compatibility in controlled hybridization.        -   Filaments.—        -   Size.—Medium length, between 14.0 and 18.0 millimeters in            length. Filaments length is generally the same or slightly            higher than the pistil's length (considered without the            ovary).        -   Color.—Considered white (RHS White 155 D) to pink (RHS Red            Purple 59 D). The color becomes darker during the blooming.        -   Pistil.—        -   Number.—Usually 1.        -   Generally.—Average in size.        -   Length.—Approximately 16.0 to 17.0 millimeters including the            ovary. The pistil's length is generally the same or smaller            than the filaments length, the pistil's length being            considered without the ovary.        -   Color.—Considered a very pale green to almost yellow (RHS            Yellow Green 150 B).        -   Stigma.—Approximately 1.5 millimeters in diameter, with a            greenish yellow color (RHS Yellow Green 151 C to RHS Yellow            Green 151 D).        -   Ovary.—Approximately 1.5 to 2.0 millimeters in height. The            diameter of the ovary is about 1.5 to 2.0 millimeters. The            color is considered green (RHS Yellow Green 144 C).        -   Pubescence.—No pubescence.-   Fruit:    -   -   Maturity when described.—Very firm in ripe conditions            (shipping ripe).        -   Date of first picking.—Aug. 22, 2015.        -   Date of last picking.—The date of harvest varies slightly            with the prevailing climatic conditions. The ‘CAKERUMBA’            variety has a medium to late date of picking, and a grouped            maturity. The maturity is grouped within 7 to 9 days and the            harvest is generally performed in two runs. Last known            picking times carry on from August 22^(nd) to Aug. 30, 2015,            then from August 22^(nd) to Aug. 30, 2016 and then from            August 4^(th) to Aug. 15, 2017.        -   Size.—        -   Generally.—Homogeneous in size, A (with a diameter between            67.0 and 73.0 millimeters) or 2A (with a diameter between            73.0 and 80.0 millimeters). Considered medium to large.        -   Average cheek diameter.—Approximately 65.0 to 80.0            millimeters.        -   Average axial diameter.—Approximately 42.0 to 44.0            millimeters.        -   Typical weight.—Generally about 120.0 to 130.0 grams. This            characteristic is high dependent upon the prevailing            cultural practices, and therefore is not particularly            distinctive of the variety.        -   Fruit form.—        -   Generally.—Round and flattened, generally with few bump. The            fruit is generally uniform in symmetry, viewed from the            suture's plane.        -   Suture.—        -   Fruit suture.—Wide-mouthed and slightly marked, extending            from the base to the apex. No apparent callousing or            stitching exists along the suture line. Not pointed.        -   Color.—The suture has generally a similar color to the whole            fruit color, a luminous purple red (RHS Greyed Purple 185 A            or RHS Greyed Purple 187 B).        -   Ventral surface.—        -   Form.—Smooth.        -   Apex.—Slightly depressed.        -   Base.—Semi-flared, shallow.        -   Stem cavity.—Average depth of the stem cavity is about 8.0            to 12.0 millimeters. Average width is about 15.0 to 17.0            millimeters.        -   Fruit skin.—        -   Thickness.—Considered thick and strong, and the adherence of            skin to flesh is strong to medium, depending on the fruit            maturity.        -   Texture.—Smooth.        -   Taste.—Semi-sweet, sugary.        -   Tendency to crack.—None observed.        -   Color.—        -   Blush color.—This blush color is a luminous purple red (RHS            Greyed Purple 185 A or RHS Greyed Purple 187 B). The purple            red blush covers 75 to 85% of the fruit skin surface on a            red background (RHS Greyed Red 179 A) on approximately 15%            to 25% of the fruit skin surface. The percentage of the            blush on the fruit skin surface can vary and is generally            dependent upon the prevailing conditions under which the            fruit was grown.        -   Ground color.—The ground color covers approximately 15% to            25% of the fruit skin surface, and is considered red (RHS            Greyed Red 179 A).        -   Pattern of the fruit skin over color.—Solid flush on 75 to            85% of the fruit skin surface.        -   Fruit stem.—Medium in length, approximately 8.0 to 9.0            millimeters.        -   Diameter.—Approximately 4.0 millimeters.        -   Color.—Pale green (RHS Yellow Green 145 A).        -   Flesh.—        -   Ripens.—Very homogenously, slowly. The flesh has a long            shelf life.        -   Texture.—Very firm, very dense, crunchy, melting, juicy at            harvest maturity stage.        -   Fibers.—Not fibrous.        -   Aroma.—Very pronounced.        -   Eating quality.—Considered very good, aromatic.        -   Flavor.—Considered semi-sweet. The Brix is generally            superior to 12 and acidity comprised between 6 and 9 meq/100            ml.        -   Juice.—Juicy to Very juicy at complete maturity.        -   Brix.—Generally 15.0 to 16.0 degrees. This characteristic            varies slightly with the number of fruit per tree;            prevailing cultural practices; and the surrounding climatic            conditions.        -   Flesh color.—White flesh (RHS White 155 A) usually with a            slightly red pigmentation (RHS Red 47 A to RHS Red 47 B) in            a star shape, around the stone cavity, on approximately 5.0            millimeters.-   Stone:    -   -   Type.—Semi-Clingstone, more or less semi-adherent depending            on the fruit maturity.        -   Size.—Considered small for the variety. The stone size            varies significantly depending upon the tree vigor, crop            load and prevailing growing conditions.        -   Length.—Approximately 14.0 to 15.0 millimeters.        -   Width.—Approximately 20.0 to 22.0 millimeters.        -   Diameter.—Approximately 21.0 to 22.0 millimeters.        -   Form.—Flattened.        -   Base.—Straight.        -   Apex.—        -   Shape.—The stone apex is flattened.        -   Stone cavity.—Considered small in size, with flattened form            and dimensions corresponding to the stone's dimensions.        -   Stone surface.—        -   Surface texture.—The pit is transversely furrowed on its            entire surface. Furrows are deeper and more oblate on            lateral sides.        -   Ridges.—The surface texture is generally characterized by            more prominent ridges along the ventral edges and at the            apical tip.        -   Ventral edge.—        -   Width.—Approximately 2.5 millimeters at mid-suture.        -   Dorsal edge.—        -   Shape.—Grooved.        -   Stone color.—The color of the dry stone is generally            considered light orange brown (RHS Greyed Orange 165 B or            RHS Greyed Orange 165 C).        -   Tendency to split.—Splitting is very low or absent,            depending on climatic conditions between blooming period and            stone hardening.        -   Kernel.—        -   Size.—The kernel is considered small.        -   Length.—Approximately 8.0 to 9.0 millimeters.        -   Width.—Approximately 9.0 to 10.0 millimeters.        -   Thickness.—Approximately 8.0 to 9.0 millimeters.        -   Form.—Considered flattened and elliptic. Sometimes double.        -   Pellicle.—The pellicle of the kernel has a short pubescence.        -   Color.—The kernel skin is orange-brown colored (RHS Greyed            Orange N167 A). The almond, which is the seed of the kernel,            is white (RHS White 155 B) and has a bitter tasting. The            kernel and its embryo are mature at the time of fruit            maturity.        -   Use.—The subject variety ‘CAKERUMBA’ is considered to be a            white flat nectarine tree of the medium or late season of            maturity, and which produces fruits that are considered very            firm, attractively colored with a very luminous purple red.            Fruits have a semi-sweet taste and are excellent for            uncooked consumption, crunchy or melting when at full            maturity. Fruits have excellent gustative qualities. Due to            their flesh quality, firmness and density, they can also be            commercialized as 4^(th) range product (packed fruit or            fruit in bags for example). And they are also useful for            both local and very long distance shipping.        -   Keeping quality.—Remarkable. Fruit have a slow maturation            and a long shelf life both on the tree after growth            completion and after harvesting without alteration. After            growth completion, fruits are preserved more than one week.            After harvest, fruits are well preserved more than 4 weeks            at 2.0 degree Celsius.        -   Shipping quality.—Considered very good. The fruit of the new            white flat nectarine variety showed minimal bruising of the            flesh or skin damage after being subjected to normal            harvesting and packing procedures. Its resistance to            handling during harvest and packing and its long shelf life            without alteration after harvest easily permit 3 to 4            weeks-shipping at 2 degrees Celsius.        -   Resistance to insects and disease.—No particular            susceptibilities were noted. The present variety is not very            sensitive to Monilia or rot. The pistil cavity is completely            closed, generally without any cork formation.

Although the new variety of white flat nectarine tree possesses thedescribed characteristics when grown under the ecological conditionsprevailing near Elne, Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France, it shouldbe understood that variations of the usual magnitude and characteristicsincident to changes in growing conditions, fertilization, pruning, pestcontrol and horticultural management are to be expected.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of white flat nectarine tree asillustrated and described, characterized by fruits with high eatingquality and very long shelf life without alteration before and afterharvesting, with a semi-sweet white flesh, with a slightly redpigmentation around the stone cavity, a completely closed pistil cavityand an attractive luminous skin with a high percentage of purple redblush on skin surface, on a red background.